10 things to do in Bournemouth & Poole this October half term
October half term is here and the weather is looking a bit hit and miss so far.
Finding things for the kids to do can be a bit of a challenge, especially if it is raining, so here are my top ten tips for things to do in Bournemouth and Poole:
Indoor Fun
1. Rockreef
Situated on Bournemouth Pier, Rockreef offers several fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including: Clip ‘n’ Climb, Caving, Highline and the Pier Zip.
We have been coming here since it opened, the kids love it and now that Sebastian is four, he can join in too. The best news for my kids is that they have dropped their height limit for the highline from 1.3m to 1.1m which means that Isaac and Eliza can now try their hand at that too.
Just in time for half term it has also launched a new ‘Drop ‘n’ Go’ session whereby parents can drop their children off and leave them for up to 2 hours. This is perfect for parents who have little ones not old enough to join in, or just need a couple of hours to fit in a spot of shopping.
The first session launched on Saturday 21st October and subsequent sessions will be every Saturday thereafter.
2. Tower Park, Poole
Tower Park is an entertainment Centre, based just three miles from the centre of Poole and five miles from Bournemouth, is a must-visit during holiday season as it is home to some fabulous places to amuse the kids:
Splashdown
For kids that like their thrill and spills, Splashdown is the place for you. Home to 13 thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides and 3 under 5’s splash zones there is plenty to do for the whole family.
https://youtu.be/vcubBiGjoTg
Lemur Landings
A sister venue to Splashdown, you can get discounted tickets for both venues, Lemur Landings is more than just softplay and has activities for kids from 0-12 years. It has recently been refurbished and includes Leweyville, a brilliant role play word for the under 6’s, a large play frame, climbing walls, a low rope course and my kids favourite – the digiwall, where they can challenge each other to some fun games, combined with a climbing element.
Hollywood Bowl
Another area of Tower Park that has been refurbished recently is Hollywood Bowl. Now boasting 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, they have moved and opened up the bar area, changed the pool tables to money per play rather than a timed session and have a fantastic American style diner where you can eat in comfort.
With games costing from £5.49 per person, it won’t break the bank either.
Cineworld
Watch the latest movies at the cinema, with the offerings mine want to see this year being LEGO Ninjago and My Little Pony. Cineworld pride themselves on outstanding picture quality and atmospheric surround sound; the soft, deep-down comfort of the modern seating; the crunch of the popcorn; and, most importantly, the friendliest customer service around.
3. Activate Trampoline Park
Featuring an open jump area full of 70 trampolines, a dodgeball area, a giant air bag, tumble track and a Ninja assault course there is plenty of activities to wear them out, plus there is a large café and mezzanine area for you to relax and enjoy a cuppa with friends whilst the kids bounce.
4. Oceanarium
See over 150 species of fish on your underwater adventure as you journey through the amazon, Great Barrier Reef and the Ganges. Highlights for us are when the penguins, otters, sharks and sea turtles grab a bite to eat during their daily feeding talks.
5. Oasis Fun
Oasis Family Fun is located in central Bournemouth and features an amazing bowling alley with 6 lanes, an indoor soft play centre, large adventure golf course, arcades and pool tables. They also serve delicious food and drinks in our American diner and bar.
Outdoor Fun
Of course, being on the coast there are 7 miles of sandy beaches to enjoy, but if you want something more structured to do, check out the following:
1. Farmer Palmers
Farmer Palmers has been one of our favourite places to go to with the children since they were all small and is where they found their love of animals.
Not only are their farm animals to pet, groom and feed, but there are bumpy tractor rides, bouncy castles, indoor soft play, a wicked slide barn and informative talks to enjoy.
2. Moors Valley
At Moors Valley Country Park and Forest there is something for everyone, whether you want to enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride through the Forest, experience the adrenalin of swinging through the treetops at Go Ape, or the excitement of spotting the Gruffalo and his friends along one of the many forest trails.
There are also two parks, a play trail, a miniature railway and a large lake with swans and ducks to feed too.
3. Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland is a family theme park which offers rides and attractions aimed at families with children up to the age of 12 and is set directly opposite Bournemouth Airport.
The park boasts a large play area, a hedge maze which gets us lost every time, a small petting area with sheep, goats, ducks, chickens and guinea pigs and lots of rides for the kids to enjoy with virtually no queues. There is even a theatre and and an indoor play area if the weather does turn.
4. Snowtrax
Living where we do on the southcoast, I can count on one hand how many times we have seen enough snow to warrant buying a sledge, however, the kids love to slip & slide down the fun and exciting Ski Bob and Ringo slopes with Ringo’s being our favourite. These are giant rubber rings that you sit in and after a few calm slides down the dry ski slope, you will soon be begging to be spun like a washing machine or holding hands with your friends as you hurtle down the hill.
There is also a fabulous Alpine park just behind which features a huge pirate ship to clamber on and take part in your best swashbuckling adventures.
Image Credit: DorsetMums
5. Mighty Claws Adventure Golf
Mighty Claws is a truly fun family day out. Swing, cut and slice through the epic 18 holes of Jurassic proportions, dodging the scary animatronic Raptors, ginormous T-Rex and a whole host of ancient animated creatures; travelling through caves, around smoking volcanoes and giant waterfalls…
For half term, Little monsters are encouraged to play in their best costumes and take part in a frighteningly fun fancy dress competition, check out the spooky dino cave, win some roarsome prizes by taking a dip into the witches’ cauldron and win 50% off in November if they finish the frightening word search!
I have just scraped the surface of fun things to do locally, please do check out the blog for more hints and tips of things to do in Dorset.
Where do you like to visit during the school holidays?
Erica Price
Some great ideas for keeping the kids entertained whatever the weather. You certainly won’t be bored this half term.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I honestly didn’t realise there was so much to do there. Rockreef looks like great fun my girls would love it there!
Michelle Twin Mum
Rockreef and Snow trax are definitely making it on to our list of things to do when we come and stay next summer. thanks. Mich x
Rebecca Smith
Moors Valley looks like so much fun! I keep meaning to pop down to Bournemouth and Poole as I have friends down there
Patrick
I need a nap after just reading about these activities much less taking part in them!!
The bowling alleys look like great fun
Rhian Westbury
You can’t beat a trampoline park, and I loved Compton Acres in Poole x
The London Mum
Oh my gosh! So much to do.. my son would enjoy everyone of those activities!
Olivia Thristan
It looks like there is so much more fun stuff to do around Bournemouth than where I am from. Rokreef sounds fab and a great way to get rid some of their energy :’)
Samantha Donnelly - StressedMum
Looks like lots of fun whatever the weather to do, it is always harder when the school holidays appear and the weather is horrible x
Melanie
Wow what a fab bunch of activities, like the look of rock reef looks fun and a challenge 🙂 x
Claire
Looks like lots of fun things to do. I have never been to Bournemouth but really want to go.
Stacey
Lemur Landings looks amazing. Would be right up my oldest son’s street.
I live miles away (North West) but we’re heading to Bournemouth for a break next year so will hopefully get to explore a few of these!
Rebecca | AAUBlog
we try to be outside as much as we can during the school holidays – just a shame the weather hasn’t been better. I love GoApe, so Moor Valley park looks good – not sure what the kids would think of it though?!
Sarah Bailey
Oh my goodness what some absolutely amazing things to do around Bournemouth this half term, it is enough to make me wish I was a child again,.
Lisa
I didn’t realise there were activities at Rock Reef for the little ones. We’ll have to try it out sometime x
Lilinha
There is so much to do! I don’t even know what little man would choose to do first. Perhaps Adventure Wonderland?
Linda Hobbis
Wow – that’s a lot. More than Cardiff I think! Better load up on coffee and brace yourself for a busy half term. Ours starts tomorrow but we’re all knackered already!
Jono
Wow. Loads of exciting things to do! Will be sure to add some of these to my list next time we’re down that way
Laura H
I’ve never been down to Bournemouth/Poole so maybe one of these days I can try out some of these things!
danasia fantastic
Rockreef looks AMAZING! I’d love to rock climb even as an adult.
Cathy Glynn
What great activities, I would love to visit the Bournemouth area one day, there is so much to do x
Afshan Nasim
There are some great places to visit here. I find it hard to think of places to go during half term and you have some great suggestions. Great pictures too.
Helen at Casa Costello
Splashdown sounds just the perfect place for us – 13 indoor slides?! You know we can never be too far from water!
DJT @ Thinking Thrifty
You’re definitely not short of things to do in Poole!
Kate Williams
The adventure golf looks amazing! We’ve managed a beach day today which was unexpected but very much appreciated!
Nayna Kanabar
There is so much to do , the kids will be spoilt for choice. I like the sound of the splashdown.
fashionandstylepolice
My kids would love this place. So much to do.
Anosa
All are such awesome activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I personally love the Farmers Palmers and the Moores Valley to have a wonderful interaction with animals and nature.
Tanya Brannan
Wow I never realised there was so much to do in the Bournemouth/Poole area. I just love the photograph of the children in the little cars outside Ally’s Garage. So cute. The Oasis Fun place look really good too, very different to most bowling alleys and soft play areas.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
Fantastic fun days out to be had! Lots to do whatever the weather, its going to be a fun half term! 🙂
Ali - We Made This Life
Great list! When we were children we spent a lot of time visiting my Granny in Bournemouth, it would be nice to take my kids there now, especially as there is so much more to do than there used to be!
WhatLauraLoves
Theres so much to do to keep the kids entertained here. Would be a great place for a mini break too I think! xxx
Fritha Strickland
I went to Bournemouth for the first time the other day! Looks like there is loads to do here, we watched MLP at Cineworld the other day too x
Yaya
What a plethora of options! October half term usually involves a trip to Blackpool for the Illuminations and the kids love it. If we were in Bournemouth it would be hard to choose only a few of these great options.
Ami Elizabeth
Lemur Landings looks awesome! Can’t wait for Florence to be old enough to play at this type of place! 🙂
Charli
There is so much to do in Bournemouth – although my favourite is always to eat fish and chips followed by ice cream on the beach!
Hannah
We’re a big cinema fan family so that would definitely be on the top of our list! Oasis fun looks good too x
lisa prince
it has been absolutely years since i went to bournmouth and in fact im sure its changed since i was there as a teen but i remember it being great and even better on the nightitme even for families as we played crazy golf at night and walked along the shoreline , we went the the splash centre and we also saw the surf cabin which i remember been so envious of as it was summer and we saw lots of surfers then, ive not been back as an adult but i keep saying i want to , the pier used to have a big wheel and rides on i still have pics if the memories